The publication reports on a two-year, randomized, double-blind study in 1,552 patients evaluating the efficacy of linagliptin compared to glimepiride as measured by a reduction in HbA1c from baseline in patients uncontrolled on metformin alone.

Professor Baptist Gallwitz, Professor of Medicine, Eberhard Karls University, Tübingen, Germany, said, "These study results are interesting to the medical community because of the main study objective which was to compare the glycaemic control achieved by linagliptin and glimepiride," Professor Baptist Gallwitz, Professor of Medicine, Eberhard Karls University, Tübingen, Germany. "The safety evaluation is interesting; and, although based on a small number of cardiovascular events (n=38), we were able to evaluate and compare the incidences of major cardiovascular events between linagliptin and glimepiride for the first time."

The profile of linagliptin against glimepiride is being further investigated in the ongoing, head-to-head outcomes trial Carolina, the first outcomes study to compare a DPP-4 inhibitor with an active comparator. The study investigates 6,000 patients over a five year period and patient recruitment is due to complete this year.

Linagliptin (5 mg, once daily) is marketed in the US as Tradjenta (linagliptin) tablets, in Europe as Trajenta (linagliptin) tablets, and in other global markets as a once-daily tablet that is used along with diet and exercise to improve glycaemic control in adults with T2D. Linagliptin should not be used in patients with type 1 diabetes or for the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis (increased ketones in the blood or urine). With linagliptin, no dose adjustment is required regardless of declining renal function or hepatic impairment.

In January 2011, Boehringer Ingelheim and Eli Lilly announced an alliance in the field of diabetes that centers on four pipeline compounds representing several of the largest treatment classes. This alliance leverages the companies' strengths as two of the world's leading pharmaceutical companies, combining Boehringer Ingelheim's solid track record of research-driven innovation and Lilly's innovative research, experience, and pioneering history in diabetes.